How to remove teflon coating

Danny DonahueUpdated February 21, 2017

Teflon is a chemical compound that is baked onto cookware to provide a non-stick surface. These non-stick products were heralded as state-of-the-art utensils in the cooking industry for many years. Scientists have researched effects of cooking with Teflon, finding surprising results. Due to these negative findings, they recommend that you not use Teflon products, especially if there is damage to the non-stick surface. Removing the Teflon from your cookware is essential to maintaining your health.

Scrub the Teflon-coated surface of the frying pan with steel wool. Use enough pressure to loosen the coating without scratching the metal underneath. Wipe the loose flakes of Teflon away with a clean rag.

Soak a rag with denatured alcohol. Rub the alcohol-soaked rag on the remaining Teflon. Wait five minutes for the alcohol to soften the Teflon. Scrub the pan with steel wool. Wipe away the remaining Teflon with a clean rag.

Pour 3 gallons of water into the 5 gallon bucket. Add 3 tbsp liquid dish soap to the water. Mix the water and soap with your hand.

Hold the frying pan in your soapy water. Rub the pan vigorously with a rag. Rinse the frying pan with clean water while holing it over the bucket.

Dry the frying pan with a clean rag. Apply a light coat of vegetable oil to the newly-exposed metal to protect it from rust.

Warning

Rubber gloves and safety glasses are necessary to protect you from skin exposure and flying chemical chips during this process. Dispose of Teflon chips and contaminated water in a legal and environmentally-friendly manner.

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About the Author

After learning electronics in the U.S. Navy in the 1980s, Danny Donahue spent a lifetime in the construction industry. He has worked with some of the finest construction talent in the Southeastern United States. Donahue has been a freelance writer since 2008, focusing his efforts on his beloved construction projects.